Your sofa has a secret cleaning code
How to clean a fabric sofa
Check the cleaning code on the label first (W or WS means water is fine, S means solvent cleaner only, X means vacuum only). Vacuum every seam, spot-test a hidden patch, then dab marks with warm water and a drop of washing-up liquid on a white cloth and blot dry. Don't soak it.
Only use water on W or WS codes. On S or X sofas, vacuum only and ask an upholstery cleaner about stains. Spot-test first, never soak the cushions, and only machine-wash covers if their label says so. One product at a time: never mix upholstery cleaners with bleach, ammonia or vinegar.
Never mix cleaning products. Bleach plus ammonia, vinegar or other acids releases toxic gases. Use one product at a time, rinse between them, ventilate, and unplug appliances before you clean them.
Part of: Printable weekly cleaning checklist
Step by step
- Find the cleaning code on the label under the seat cushions: W or WS means water-based cleaning is fine, S means solvent cleaner only, X means vacuum only
- Vacuum the whole sofa with the upholstery brush, including the seams and under the cushions
- Stir a drop of washing-up liquid into a bowl of warm water and test it on a hidden patch first; let it dry and check for colour change or water rings
- Dip a white cloth, wring it out well and dab the mark from the outside in: blot, don't rub or soak
- Blot again with a cloth dampened in plain water, then press dry with a towel and let it air-dry
- For smells, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on the dry fabric, leave it 20 minutes and vacuum it off
Watch it in 34 seconds
FAQ
How to clean a fabric sofa?
Check the cleaning code on the label first (W or WS means water is fine, S means solvent cleaner only, X means vacuum only). Vacuum every seam, spot-test a hidden patch, then dab marks with warm water and a drop of washing-up liquid on a white cloth and blot dry. Don't soak it.
What are the steps to clean a fabric sofa?
1. Find the cleaning code on the label under the seat cushions: W or WS means water-based cleaning is fine, S means solvent cleaner only, X means vacuum only. 2. Vacuum the whole sofa with the upholstery brush, including the seams and under the cushions. 3. Stir a drop of washing-up liquid into a bowl of warm water and test it on a hidden patch first; let it dry and check for colour change or water rings. 4. Dip a white cloth, wring it out well and dab the mark from the outside in: blot, don't rub or soak. 5. Blot again with a cloth dampened in plain water, then press dry with a towel and let it air-dry. 6. For smells, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on the dry fabric, leave it 20 minutes and vacuum it off.
Is it safe to clean a fabric sofa at home?
Yes, with care. Only use water on W or WS codes. On S or X sofas, vacuum only and ask an upholstery cleaner about stains. Spot-test first, never soak the cushions, and only machine-wash covers if their label says so. One product at a time: never mix upholstery cleaners with bleach, ammonia or vinegar. Never mix cleaning products. Bleach plus ammonia, vinegar or other acids releases toxic gases. Use one product at a time, rinse between them, ventilate, and unplug appliances before you clean them.